Syrian foreign minister in South Africa today

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa headed to South Africa today for a two-day visit, during which he will hold talks with outgoing President Nelson Mandela before his retirement.

Syrian sources told ArabicNews.com, "The talks will tackle developing bilateral relations in all fields."

The sources added, "Al-Sharaa will visit Canada on June 21, which is the first for a Syrian foreign minister in decades," adding that the visit will aim at developing bilateral ties and celebrating the opening of the Syrian embassy in Canada.

Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid is to head on June 26 to Syria, where he will meet with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and al-Sharaa.